How much skin is acceptable on a business news Web site?

Believe it or not, the question comes up fairly often, especially when you are associated with a big honkin' network. Had to address it just this morning in fact. We have a set of pictures of a fashion show in Miami. Lots of bikinis and swimwear. And in some of the shots, a lot of skin. We clipped a few from the presentation. I was accused by some staff members of being overly prudish.

Allen Wastler
Managing Editor, CNBC.com

Maybe so. The censored shots weren't pornographic and they weren't anything you wouldn't see on the beach. And, hey, what's the whole purpose of the presentation anyway? We're doing it in part because we know our male-skewed audience will find it ... interesting. It's the same reason Sports Illustrated prints its swimsuit issue and networks run Victoria's Secret stories.

Of course, it IS a legitimate fashion event and there is some serious money in the business. Nevertheless there are those who think there shouldn't be any risque material on a business news site at all. I don't share that opinion. Business news is vital to everyone, yet comes off as boring. A little spice here and there may get people to pay generally a little more attention.

A little fun is fine, but you don't want to overdo it. Besides, with the way things have been lately, we could use the distraction.

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